Barge Worker Dies in Accident in Mentor, KY

Posted in Barge Accidents,Kentucky Maritime News,Maritime Accidents on December 20, 2011

MENTOR, KY – On Saturday, Dec 17, a barge worker was fatally injured while removing a loaded barge owned by Greater Cincinnati Marine, which was docked at the Black River Mine in Pendleton County. The victim was identified as Mr. Chris Mink, an employee of Greater Cincinnati Marine.

Greater Cincinnati Marine headquarters is located in Newport, KY

The accident was reported at about 2 p.m. but the exact time of the accident is approximated to have occurred in the early afternoon, according to Kevin Whyte, vice president, general counsel for Carmeuse Lime and Stone, owner of Black River facility.

On Sunday Dec 18 at 9:39 a.m. Carmeuse Lime and Stone issued the following press release:

On Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, Mr. Chris Mink, an employee of Greater Cincinnati Marine, was fatally injured while removing a loaded barge from our Black River facility. He was pronounced dead after being transported to University Hospital. We will be cooperating fully with Mine Safety and Health Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard and all other appropriate authorities in regard to the investigation of this tragic death. At this time, the cause is not known. Our primary concern is the safety of our employees and contractors working at or in the vicinity of our site. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Mink.

The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.